Subarachnoid-pleural fistula - case report and review of literature

Abstract

The investigation and surgical closure of a subarachnoid pleural fistula following direct trauma to the dorsal spinal theca and spinal cord are described. The detection and localisation of this kind of fistula is challenging. In this paper a case of subarachnoid-pleural fistula is described and by reference to the previously reported eleven cases attention is drawn to several problems peculiar to the management of this clinical entity.